Methods for Reducing an Overall Transport Profile of a Multi-Section Tillage Implement and Related Systems

ABSTRACT

In one aspect, a method for reducing an overall transport profile of a multi-section tillage implement is disclosed. The tillage implement may include a frame including a center frame section and at least one wing frame section. The tillage implement may include a plurality of ground-engaging tools pivotally mounted to the frame. The method may include pivoting each of the plurality of ground-engaging tools away from the ground surface from a ground-engaging position to a retracted position. The frame may be disposed at an initial height relative to the ground surface before pivoting. After pivoting, the frame may be lowered to a transport height relative to the ground surface. At least one wing frame section may be folded relative to the center frame section from an operating position to a transport position to reduce a width of the tillage implement in the widthwise direction.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to agricultural implements and,more particularly, to a method for reducing a transport height and/or atransport width of a multi-section tillage implement.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Farmers utilize a wide variety of tillage implements to prepare soil forplanting. Some such implements may include two or more sections coupledtogether to perform multiple functions as they are pulled through fieldsby a tractor. For example, field cultivators may be capable ofsimultaneously tilling soil and leveling the tilled soil in preparationfor planting. Field cultivators may include frames that carry a numberof ground-engaging tools, such as cultivator shanks for tilling thesoil. The field cultivator may convert compacted soil into a levelseedbed with a consistent depth for preparing the soil for planting of acrop. Grass or residual crop material disposed on top of the soil mayalso be worked into the seedbed so that it does not interfere with aseeding implement subsequently passing through the seedbed. Some fieldcultivators may also include an optional rear auxiliary implement forfinishing the seedbed for seeding. For example, a rear auxiliaryimplement may include a spike tooth harrow, spring tooth harrow, rollingbasket, etc., or any combination thereof.

Tillage implements are often folded to a transport position and drivenon public roads from one agricultural work site to another agriculturalwork site. Tillage implements have been constructed to cover larger andlarger swaths of land in a single pass, resulting in wider tillageimplements. As a result, such tillage implements have also become largeronce folded for transport. Tillage implements having large overalltransport profiles may be difficult to transport, e.g., on public roads.For example, for very large tillage implements, a separate “escortvehicle” may be required when traveling on public roads. Additionally,large implements may be difficult to fit through doors or openings toindoor or covered storage areas.

Accordingly, a method and related system of reducing a transport heightand/or a transport width of a multi-section tillage implement would bewelcomed in the technology.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in thefollowing description, or may be obvious from the description, or may belearned through practice of the invention.

In one aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a method forreducing an overall transport profile of a multi-section tillageimplement. The tillage implement may include a frame, and the frame mayinclude a center frame section and at least one wing frame section. Thetillage implement may include a plurality of ground-engaging toolspivotally mounted to the frame. The method may include pivoting each ofthe plurality of ground-engaging tools away from the ground surface froma ground-engaging position to a retracted position. The frame may bedisposed at an initial height relative to the ground surface prior topivoting each of the plurality of ground-engaging tools away from theground surface. The method may include, after pivoting each of theplurality of ground-engaging tools away from the ground surface from theground-engaging position to the retracted position, lowering the framerelative to the ground surface such that the frame is disposed at atransport height relative to the ground surface. The transport heightmay be less than the initial height. The method may include folding theat least one wing frame section relative to the center frame sectionfrom an operating position to a transport position to reduce a width ofthe tillage implement in the widthwise direction.

In another aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a systemfor reducing an overall transport profile of a multi-section tillageimplement. The system may include a tillage implement including a frame,and the frame may include a center frame section and at least one wingframe section. The system may also include a plurality ofground-engaging tools pivotally mounted to the frame of the tillageimplement. The system may include a hydraulic system configured to pivoteach of the plurality of ground-engaging tools with respect to theframe. The hydraulic system may be configured to retract a plurality ofwheels relative to the frame to raise and lower the frame relative tothe ground surface. The system may also include a controllercommunicatively coupled with the hydraulic system. The controller mayinclude a processor and associated memory. The memory may storeinstructions that, when executed by the processor, configure thecontroller to perform operations. The operations may include pivoting,using the hydraulic system, each of the plurality of ground-engagingtools relative to each respective pivoting mount and away from theground surface from a ground-engaging position to a retracted position.The center frame section may be disposed at an initial height relativeto the ground surface prior to pivoting each of the plurality ofground-engaging tools away from the ground surface. The operations mayinclude, after pivoting each of the plurality of ground-engaging toolsfrom the ground surface, retracting, using the hydraulic system, theplurality of wheels relative to the frame to lower the frame relative tothe ground surface such that the frame is disposed at a transport heightrelative to the ground surface. The transport height may be less thanthe initial height. The operations may include folding the at least onewing frame section from an operating position to a transport position toreduce a width of the tillage implement in the widthwise direction.

In a further aspect, the present subject matter is directed a method ofreducing an overall transport profile of a multi-section tillageimplement. The tillage implement may include a frame, and the frame mayinclude a center frame section and at least one wing frame section. Thetillage implement may include a plurality of ground-engaging toolspivotally mounted to the frame. The method may include pivoting each ofthe plurality of ground-engaging tools away from the ground surface froma ground-engaging position to a retracted position to provide atransport ground clearance between the plurality of ground-engagingtools and the ground surface sufficient for transporting the implementsin the retracted position without raising the frame of the implementrelative to the ground surface. The method may include folding the atleast one wing frame section relative to the center frame section froman operating position to a transport position to reduce a width of thetillage implement in the widthwise direction. The method may includetransporting the implement with the at least one wing frame sectionfolded relative to the center frame section in the transport position.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with reference to the followingdescription and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which areincorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrateembodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serveto explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including thebest mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is setforth in the specification, which makes reference to the appendedfigures, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of anagricultural implement in an operating position in accordance withaspects of the present subject matter;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of one embodiment of an agriculturalimplement in an operating position in accordance with aspects of thepresent subject matter;

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate front views of one embodiment of anagricultural implement during a folding operation in accordance withaspects of the present subject matter;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of anagricultural implement in a transport position in accordance withaspects of the present subject matter;

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate, respectively, a front view of one embodimentof an agricultural implement in a transport position and a front view ofone embodiment of an agricultural implement in a transport position inaccordance with aspects of the present subject matter.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate, respectively, a front view of one embodimentof an agricultural implement in a ground-engaging position and a frontview of one embodiment of an agricultural implement in a raised positionin accordance with aspects of the present subject matter;

FIG. 7A illustrates a side view of one embodiment of an agriculturalimplement at a raised height and having a plurality of ground-engagingtools in a raised position in accordance with aspects of the presentsubject matter;

FIG. 7B illustrates a side view of one embodiment of an agriculturalimplement at a transport height and having a plurality ofground-engaging tools in a raised position in accordance with aspects ofthe present subject matter;

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate side views of one embodiment of aground-engaging tool in, respectively, a ground-engaging position and aretracted position in accordance with aspects of the present subjectmatter;

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate, respectively, a side view and a perspectiveview of one embodiment of a plurality of ground-engaging tools mountedto a toolbar in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter;

FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic view of one embodiment of a system forreducing an overall transport profile of a multi-section tillageimplement in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter; and

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate flow diagrams of respective methods forreducing an overall transport profile of a multi-section tillageimplement in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention,one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Eachexample is provided by way of explanation of the invention, notlimitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be madein the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit ofthe invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as partof one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a stillfurther embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present inventioncovers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

In general, the present subject matter is directed to methods forreducing an overall transport profile of a multi-section tillageimplement and associated systems. The overall transport profile may beassociated with a height and a width of the implement in a transportposition. Specifically, the method may include pivoting each of aplurality of ground-engaging tools away from a ground surface from aground-engaging position to a retracted position. The frame may bedisposed at an initial height relative to the ground surface beforepivoting each of the plurality of ground-engaging tools away from theground surface. The method may also include lowering the frame relativeto the ground surface such that the frame is disposed at a transportheight relative to the ground surface. The transport height may be lessthan the initial height. The method may include folding at least onewing frame section relative to a center frame section of the frame froman operating position to the transport position to reduce the width ofthe tillage implement in the widthwise direction.

Pivoting the ground-engaging tools to a retracted position in accordancewith aspects of the present disclosure may provide several benefits. Forexample, the implement may be lowered to a lower transport height abovethe ground surface while still maintaining a suitable ground clearance.This may result in the implement having a smaller height once foldedinto the transport position. Similarly, pivoting the ground-engagingtools may reduce the extent to which the ground-engaging tools protrudein a widthwise direction once the implement is in the transportposition, and thus, reduce the width of the implement in the transportposition. Moreover, this may eliminate the need to disconnect a portionof a hydraulic system associated with the wheels to selectively retractonly a portion of the wheels, for example to retract lift wheelsconnected with one of the wing frame sections after the implement hasbeen folded into the transport position. Rather, in some embodiments,all of the lift wheels may be retracted prior to folding the implementinto the transport position because the ground-engaging tools, onceretracted, may no longer prevent retracting all of the lift wheels.Thus, aspects of the present disclosure may provide a more efficientmethod to reduce the width of the implement in the transport position.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a tillage implement 10 may be configured asa field cultivator 10, for example a multi-section field cultivator 10.The multi-section field cultivator 10 may include a frame 11 having acenter frame section 12 and a plurality of wing frame sections 14, 16and 18. The frame 11 may include beams, bars, and/or the like. In someembodiments, frame 11 may be foldable from an operating position, forexample as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, to a transport position, asexplained in greater detail below. In some embodiments, the fieldcultivator 10 may have a triple-fold configuration with three left wingssections 14A, 16A, 18A, and three right wing frame sections 14B, 16B,18B. The wing frame sections may include inner wing frame sections14A,14B, middle wing frame sections 16A,16B, and outer wing framesections 18A, 18B. In other embodiments, however, the field cultivator10 may only have two wing frame sections on each side of the centerframe section 12. In yet other embodiments, the field cultivator 10 mayhave a single wing frame section on each side of the center framesection 12. In yet further embodiments, the field cultivator 10 may havegreater than three wing frame sections on each side of the center framesection 12.

Referring still to FIGS. 1 and 2, in some embodiments, the center framesection 12 may be towed by a work vehicle, such as an agriculturaltractor (not shown), in a direction of travel 19. The implement 10 maygenerally extend in a widthwise direction 21 perpendicular to thedirection of travel. In some embodiments, a pull hitch 20 may extendforward from the center frame section 12 and be coupled with the workvehicle.

The frame 11 may be configured to support, or otherwise connect with, aplurality of components. For example, in some embodiments, the implement10 may include one or more rear auxiliary implements 22, for example aspring tooth drag 26 and/or rolling basket 28. The rear auxiliaryimplements 22 may be configured to finish the soil. In otherembodiments, the rear auxiliary implement(s) 22 can include a spiketooth drag, cultivator shanks, etc. In some embodiments, the implement10 may not include the rear auxiliary implement 22 whatsoever. Thecultivator 10 may include a plurality of ground-engaging tools 30pivotally mounted to the frame 11. For example, cultivator shanks 30 maybe pivotally mounted to the center frame section 12 and at least one ofthe wing frame sections 14, 16, 18. The cultivator shanks 30 may includetip ends 32 at their lower ends for tilling the soil. The tip ends 32may be configured as shovels, for example.

The implement 10 may include a plurality of lift wheels, configured tosupport the implement 10 with respect to a ground surface. For example,the implement 10 may include wing lift wheels 34, 35 connected with thewing frame sections 14, 16, 18 and center lift wheels 36, 37 connectedwith the center frame section 12. The wing lift wheels 34, 35 mayinclude rear wing lift wheels 34 and front wing lift wheels 35. Thecenter lift wheels 36, 37 may also include rear center lift wheels 36and front center lift wheels 37.

In some embodiments, the implement 10 may include a hydraulic systemincluding a plurality of actuators, such as wheel actuators, implementactuators, and/or folding actuators. For example, the wheel actuatorsmay be configured to raise and lower the plurality of lift wheelsrelative to the frame 11 such that the frame 11 is raised and loweredrelative to the ground surface. The implement actuators may beconfigured to pivot the plurality of ground-engaging tools away from theground surface from a ground-engaging position to a retracted position,as explained in greater detail below. The folding actuators may beconfigured to fold the wing frame sections 14, 16, 18 of the frame 11relative to the center frame section 12, as explained in greater detailbelow. In some embodiments, the wheel actuators may be connected inseries. In some embodiments, the implement actuators may similarly beconnected in series.

It should be appreciated that the configuration of the implement 10described above and shown in FIG. 1 is provided only to place thepresent subject matter in an exemplary field of use. Thus, it should beappreciated that the present subject matter may be readily adaptable toany manner of implement configuration.

As indicated above, the implement 10 may be foldable from an operating(unfolded) position, for example as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, to atransport (folded) position. Referring to FIG. 3A, first, each outerwing section 18A and 18B may be folded approximately 180° laterallyinward and over a respective middle wing section 16A and 16B. Referringto FIG. 3B, with the outer wing frame sections 18A and 18B in the foldedstate, each middle wing section 16A and 16B may be folded approximately180° laterally inward and over a respective inner wing section 14A and14B. Referring to FIG. 4, with the middle wing frame sections 16A and16B in the folded state, each inner wing section 14A and 14B may befolded approximately 90° laterally inward and over the center framesection 12. The outer wing frame sections 18, middle wing frame sections16, and inner wing frame sections 14 may stack together in ahorizontally arranged stack over the center frame section 12 when in thefolded state. When in the folded state, the outer wing frame sections 18may be positioned between a respective middle wing section 16 and innerwing section 14. To unfold the field cultivator 10 and transform back tothe field or operating position, for example as illustrated in FIGS. 1and 2, the folding sequence described above may be reversed.

Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, aspects of the present disclosure mayprovide for a more compact implement 10 in the transport position. Forexample, FIG. 5A illustrates an implement 10 folded into the transportposition without retracting the ground-engaging tools 30 or lift wheels34, 35, 36, 37. The implement 10 may define a first height, H₁, and afirst width, W₁, in such a configuration. In contrast, FIG. 5Billustrates an implement 10 having both the ground-engaging tools 30 andlift wheels 34, 35, 36, 37 retracted in accordance with aspects of thepresent disclosure. As a result, the height and width of the implement10 may be reduced. For example, the implement 10 may define a secondheight, H₂, and a second width, W₂, with both the ground-engaging tools30 and lift wheels 34, 35, 36, 37 retracted in accordance with aspectsof the present. The second height, H₂, and/or second width, W₂, may beless than the first height, H₁, and/or the first width, W₁,respectively. As a result, the implement 10 may be more easilytransported on public roads, for example. Additionally, the implement 10may fit through smaller doors or openings to an indoor or coveredstorage locations.

FIG. 6A illustrates an embodiment of the implement 10 in aground-engaging position. In the ground-engaging position, the tip ends32 of the ground-engaging tools 30 may be at or below the ground surface38 for perform a tilling operation relative to the ground surface 38over which the implement 10 is drawn. In such a ground-engagingposition, the frame 11 of the implement 10 may be at an operating height(illustrated by arrow 40) with respect to the ground surface 38.

Referring to FIG. 6B, in some embodiments, the various lift wheels 34,35, 36, 37 may be configured to lift the frame 11 into a raised positionin which the frame 11 has a raised height 42 above the ground surface38. With the frame 11 at the raised height 42, the ground-engaging tools30 may disposed at a raised ground clearance 44 with respect to theground surface 38. The raised ground clearance 44 may be sufficient totransport the implement 10 such that the ground-engaging tools 30 do notcontact the ground surface 38, despite normal irregularities in theground surface 38, for example.

Referring to FIG. 7A, in some embodiments, the plurality ofground-engaging tools 30 may be pivoted away from the ground surface 38from the ground engaging position to a retracted position while theframe 11 of the implement 10 is at an initial height 46. In someembodiments, the initial height 46 may be equal to the operating height40. In other embodiments, the initial height 46 may be equal to theraised height 42. This may provide a greater ground clearance betweenthe ground-engaging tools 30 and the ground surface 38.

Referring to FIG. 7B, in some embodiments, the various lift wheels 34,35, 36, 37 may be configured to lower the frame 11 relative to theground surface 38 such that the frame 11 is disposed at a transportheight 48 relative to the ground surface 38. In some embodiments, thetransport height 48 may be less than the initial height 46 describedabove with reference to FIG. 7A. Moreover, in some embodiments, each ofthe ground-engaging tools 30 may protrude from the frame 11 and towardsthe ground surface 38. Thus, retracting the ground-engaging tools 30relative to the frame 11 may allow the frame 11 to be lowered closer tothe ground surface 38 than otherwise possible.

Additionally, this may provide the ability to retract each of the liftwheels 34, 35, 36, 37 relative to the frame 11 prior to folding theframe 11, which may provide several benefits. For example, thiscapability may provide a more compact implement 10 once the implement 10is folded into the transport position, for example as discussed withrespect to FIGS. 4, 5A, and 5B. Additionally, in some embodiments, thewing lift wheels 34, 35 may be retracted with respect to the frame 11without disconnecting, or “breaking,” a portion of the hydraulic systemfrom the remainder of the hydraulic system. As indicated above, thewheel actuators may be connected in series. Thus retracting the winglift wheels 34, 35 without retracting the center lift wheels 36, 37 (forexample to reduce the width of the implement once folded into thetransport position) may require disconnecting a portion of the hydraulicsystem. Disconnecting a portion of the hydraulic system may involveextra time and labor. Thus, aspects of the present disclosure mayprovide a more efficient folding procedure resulting in a more compactfolded implement 10.

Referring to FIG. 7B, in some embodiments, the ground-engaging tools 30may be disposed at a transport ground clearance 50 relative to theground surface 38. In some embodiments, the transport ground clearance50 may be suitable for transporting the implement 10. For example, thetransport ground clearance 50 may be sufficient such that theground-engaging tools 30 do not contact the ground surface 38 despitenormal irregularities in the ground surface 38. In some embodiments, thetransport ground clearance 50 may be approximately equal to the raisedground clearance 44, for example, as described with reference to FIG.6B.

Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, as indicated above, in some embodimentsthe ground-engaging tools 30 may be retractable with respect to theimplement frame 11. For example, in some embodiments, the implement 10may include, or otherwise by associated with a hydraulic system 52configured to extend and retract the ground-engaging tools. Theground-engaging tools 30 may be pivotally coupled to the implement frame11 such that the ground-engaging tools 30 may be pivoted from aground-engaging position, for example as illustrated in FIG. 8B, to aretracted position, for example as illustrated in FIG. 8A. Morespecifically, in some embodiments, each ground-engaging tool 30 maygenerally include a base portion 54 pivotally mounted to the frame 11,for example, at a pivoting mount 56. The ground-engaging tool 30 mayalso include a curved portion 58 extending from the base portion 54along a curved or arcuate profile.

As indicated above, the hydraulic system 52 may include a plurality ofimplement actuators 60 configured to pivot the plurality ofground-engaging tools 30 relative to the frame 11. For example, eachimplement actuator 60 may be connected between the implement frame 11and a respective base portion 54 of the ground-engaging tool 30. Theimplement actuator 60 may be configured to pivot the ground-engagingtool 30 about the pivoting mount 56 (as illustrated by arrow 61 in FIGS.8A and 8B).

In some embodiments, the implement actuators 60 may be single actingsuch that they are configured to pivot the ground-engaging tools 30 in asingle direction. In such embodiments, the ground-engaging tools 30 mayinclude biasing elements, such as springs, configured to counteract thesingle-acting implement actuators 60. For example, in one embodiment,single-acting implement actuators 60 may be configured to extend theground-engaging tools 30, and the biasing elements may be configured toreturn the ground-engaging tools 30 to the retracted position. In otherembodiments, single-acting actuators 60 may be configured to retract theground-engaging tools 30, and the biasing elements may be configured toextend the ground engaging tools 30 to the extended position.

Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, in some embodiments, multipleground-engaging tools 30 may be mounted to a toolbar 62 and thehydraulic system may be configured to pivot the toolbar 62 to pivot theground-engaging tools 30 from the ground-engaging position to theretracted position. For example, referring to FIG. 9A, the implementactuator 60 may be coupled between the toolbar 62 and frame 11 such thatthe toolbar 62 may be pivoted relative to the frame 11 (as illustratedby arrows 65) about the toolbar pivoting mount 64. Although theimplement actuator 60 and frame 11 are not shown FIG. 9B, it should beunderstood that in this embodiment, the toolbar 62 may be pivoted aboutan axis 66 of the toolbar pivoting mount 64. In some embodiments, eachground-engaging tool 30 may be configured with a biasing element 68,such as a spring, for example, instead of having individual implementactuators 60 associated with each ground-engaging tool 30. The biasingelement 68 may be configured to exert a biasing force between theground-engaging tool 30 and the ground surface 38. The biasing element68 may also allow the ground-engaging tool 30 to move relative to thetoolbar 62 and frame 11 to accommodate uneven ground surfaces 38, forexample (as illustrated by arrows 70). Any suitable configuration may beused such that multiple ground-engaging tools 30 may be pivoted from theground-engaging position to the retracted position using one or moreimplement actuators 60. Additionally, multiple toolbars 62 may form oneor more toolbar frames such that sets of ground-engaging tools that arespaced apart in the widthwise direction 21 and/or the direction oftravel 19 may be pivoted by raising the toolbar frame(s). For example, acenter subset of the plurality of ground-engaging tools 30 may beconnected with a center toolbar, and/or a wing subset of the pluralityof ground-engaging tools 30 may be connected with a wing toolbar. Insome embodiments, the biasing element 68 in the above configuration mayinstead include, or be replaced by, an actuator.

Thus, in some embodiments, each ground-engaging tool 30 may have anassociated implement actuator 60 configured to pivot the ground-engagingtool 30 from the ground-engaging position to the retracted position, forexample, as explained with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B. In otherembodiments, one or more implement actuators 60 may be configured topivot multiple ground-engaging tools 30 using an associated toolbar 62,for example as explained with reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B. In otherembodiments, a combination of the above-described configurations may beemployed. For example, some implement actuators 60 may be configured topivot a single ground-engaging tool 30 while other implement actuators60 may be configured to pivot a toolbar 62 and thereby pivot multipleground-engaging tools 30.

In some embodiments, the implement actuators 60 may include at least onewing implement actuator 60 associated with at least one of the wingframe sections 14, 16, 18 and configured to pivot one or moreground-engaging tools 30 that are associated with one of the wing framesections 14, 16, 18. For example, the plurality of ground-engaging tools30 may include a wing subset of ground-engaging tools. Eachground-engaging tool 30 of the wing subset may be pivotally connectedwith one of the wing frame sections 14, 16, 18 or with a wing toolbar 62that is connected with one of the wing frame sections 14, 16, 18.

In some embodiments, the implement actuators 60 may include at least onecenter implement actuator 60. The plurality of ground-engaging tools 30may include a center subset of ground-engaging tools 30, and each of thecenter subset of ground-engaging tools 30 may be pivotally connectedwith the center frame section 12 of the frame 11 of the implement 10 ora center toolbar 62 that is connected with center frame section 12.Thus, in some embodiments, the center implement actuator 60 may beconfigured to pivot the center subset of ground-engaging tools 30 withrespect to the pivot mounts 56, 64 of each of the center subset ofground-engaging tools 30.

Referring to FIG. 10, a schematic view of one embodiment of a system 100for reducing the transport height and/or width of an agriculturalimplement is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the presentsubject matter. As shown, the system 100 may include a controller 102configured to electronically control the operation of one or morecomponents of the implement 10. In general, the controller 102 maycorrespond to any suitable processor-based device known in the art, suchas a computing device or any suitable combination of computing devices.Thus, in several embodiments, the controller 102 may include one or moreprocessor(s) 104 and associated memory device(s) 106 configured toperform a variety of computer-implemented functions. As used herein, theterm “processor” refers not only to integrated circuits referred to inthe art as being included in a computer, but also refers to acontroller, a microcontroller, a microcomputer, a programmable logiccontroller (PLC), an application specific integrated circuit, and otherprogrammable circuits. Additionally, the memory device(s) 106 of thecontroller 102 may generally comprise memory element(s) including, butnot limited to, a computer readable medium (e.g., random access memory(RAM)), a computer readable non-volatile medium (e.g., a flash memory),a floppy disk, a compact disc-read only memory (CD-ROM), amagneto-optical disk (MOD), a digital versatile disc (DVD) and/or othersuitable memory elements. Such memory device(s) 106 may generally beconfigured to store suitable computer-readable instructions that, whenimplemented by the processor(s) 104, configure the controller 102 toperform various computer-implemented functions, such as one or moreaspects of the methods 200 and 300 described below with reference toFIGS. 11 and 12. In addition, the controller 102 may also includevarious other suitable components, such as a communications circuit ormodule, one or more input/output channels, a data/control bus and/or thelike.

It should be appreciated that the controller 102 may correspond to anexisting controller 102 of the implement 10 or the work vehicle, or thecontroller 102 may correspond to a separate processing device. Forinstance, in one embodiment, the controller 102 may form all or part ofa separate plug-in module that may be installed within a control deviceconnected with the implement 10 or the work vehicle to allow for thedisclosed system and method to be implemented without requiringadditional software to be uploaded onto an existing control device ofthe implement 10 or the work vehicle.

In some embodiments, the system 100 may include a hydraulic system 52having one or more control valves 108 configured to regulate the supplyof fluid (e.g., hydraulic fluid or air) to one or more of actuators 110associated with the implement 10. In some embodiments, the actuators 110may include the implement actuators 60 configured to pivot theground-engaging tools 30 as described herein. In some embodiments, theactuators 110 may include wheel actuators configured to raise and lowerthe various lift wheels 34, 35, 36, 37 relative to the frame 11, and/orfolding actuators configured to fold the wing frame sections 14, 16, 18of the frame 11 relative to the center frame section 12.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method200 for reducing the height and/or width of a multi-section tillageimplement is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the presentsubject matter. In general, the method 200 will be described herein withreference to the implement 10 and the ground-engaging tools 30 describedabove with reference to FIGS. 1-9 and the system 100 described abovewith reference to FIG. 10. However, it should be appreciated by those ofordinary skill in the art that the disclosed method 200 may generally beutilized to reduce the height and/or width or any suitable multi-sectiontillage implement having any suitable configuration. In addition,although FIG. 11 depicts steps performed in a particular order forpurposes of illustration and discussion, the methods discussed hereinare not limited to any particular order or arrangement. One skilled inthe art, using the disclosures provided herein, will appreciate thatvarious steps of the methods disclosed herein can be omitted,rearranged, combined, and/or adapted in various ways without deviatingfrom the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 11, the method 200 may include, at (202), pivotingeach of the plurality of ground-engaging tools 30 away from the groundsurface 30 from the ground-engaging position to the retracted position.For example, in some embodiments, the controller 102 may regulate thesupply of fluid (e.g., hydraulic fluid or air) to at least one implementactuator 60 to pivot at least one ground-engaging tool 30 associatedwith the implement actuator 60. As indicated above, in some embodiments,individual implement actuators 60 may be configured to pivot respectiveground-engaging tools 30 about respective pivoting mounts 56. In otherembodiments, each implement actuator 60 may be configured to pivot a setof ground-engaging tools 30, for example a wing subset and/or a centersubset of the plurality of ground engaging tools about a toolbarpivoting mount 64. In some embodiments, the frame 11 may be disposed atan initial height 46 relative to the ground surface 38 prior to pivotingeach of the plurality of ground-engaging tools 30 away from the groundsurface 38. For example, in some embodiments, the initial height 46 ofthe frame 11 may equal the raised height 42 as explained with referenceto FIG. 6A. In some embodiments, the method 200 may also include raisingthe frame 11 (for example to the raised height 42) from the operatingheight 40 before pivoting the plurality of ground-engaging tools 30.This may remove the tips ends 32 of the plurality of ground-engagingtools 30 from the ground surface 38 such that the plurality ofground-engaging tools 30 can be safely and/or more easily pivoted intothe retracted position.

In an alternative embodiment, the frame 11 may not be raised from theoperating height 40 to the raised height 42 before pivoting each of theplurality of ground-engaging tools 30. In other words, in someembodiments, the initial height 46 of the frame 11 may be approximatelyequal to the operating height 40, for example as explained withreference to FIG. 6A. In such embodiments, the ground-engaging tools 30may be pivoted while the frame 11 is at the operating height 40 withrespect to the ground surface 38, for example, as explained withreference to FIG. 6A. In such embodiments, pivoting each of theplurality of ground-engaging tools 30 may include retracting the tipends 32 of the ground-engaging tools 30 from the ground surface 38.

In some embodiments, pivoting each of the plurality of ground-engagingtools 30 may include actuating at least one wing implement actuator 60configured to actuate a wing subset of the plurality of ground-engagingtools 30. Each of the wing subset of the plurality of ground-engagingtools 30 may be connected with one of the wing frame section(s) 14, 16,18. In some embodiments, pivoting each of the plurality ofground-engaging tools 30 may include pivoting a wing toolbar 62 relativeto the frame 11, for example as explained with reference to FIGS. 9A and9B. The wing toolbar 62 may be coupled with each of the wing subset ofthe plurality of ground-engaging tools 30.

In some embodiments, pivoting each of the plurality of ground-engagingtools 30 may include actuating at least one center implement actuator 60configured to pivot a center subset of the plurality of ground-engagingtools 30 relative to the frame 11. Each of the center subset of theplurality of ground-engaging tools 30 may be connected with the centerframe section 12. In some embodiments, pivoting each of the plurality ofground-engaging tools 30 may include pivoting a center toolbar 62relative to the frame 11, for example as explained with reference toFIGS. 9A and 9B. The center toolbar 62 may be coupled with each of thecenter subset of the plurality of ground-engaging tools 30.

The method 200 may include, at (204), after pivoting each of theplurality of ground-engaging tools 30 from the ground surface 38,lowering the frame 11 relative to the ground surface 38 such that theframe 11 is disposed at a transport height 48 relative to the groundsurface 38, and the transport height 48 may be less than the initialheight 46. As indicated above, in some embodiments, the initial height46 may equal the raised height 42. The initial height 46 may be greaterthan the operating height 40 of the frame 11, for example as explainedwith reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B. In other embodiments, however, theinitial height 46 may be less than the raised height 42. For example, insome embodiments, the frame 11 may be lowered from the operating height40 to the transport height 48. In other embodiments, the frame 11 may belowered from an initial height that is greater than the operating height40 but less than the raised height 42.

The controller 102 may be configured to lower the frame 11 relative tothe ground surface 38 using the hydraulic system 52. The hydraulicsystem 52 may be configured to regulate the supply of fluid (e.g.,hydraulic fluid or air) to one or more of actuators 110 associated withone or more of the lift wheels 34, 35, 36, 37 to raise the lift wheels34, 35, 36, 37 relative to the frame 11, and thus lower the frame 11relative to the ground surface 38. In some embodiments, lowering theframe 11 relative to the ground surface 38, at (204), may includeretracting the plurality of lift wheels 34, 35, 36, 37 relative to theframe 11 without disconnecting a portion of a hydraulic system 52configured to retract at least a portion of the plurality of wheels 34,35, 36, 37, as discussed above.

In some embodiments, lowering the frame 11 relative to the groundsurface 38 may include retracting a plurality of wheels 34, 35, 36, 37relative to the frame 11 to lower both the wing frame sections 14, 16,18 and the center frame section 12 relative to the ground surface 38. Insuch embodiments, both the wing frame sections 14, 16, 18 and the centerframe section 12 may be disposed at the transport height 48 relative tothe ground surface 38. For example, in some embodiments, each of theplurality of wheels 34, 35, 36, 37 associated with the frame 11 may beretracted to lower the frame 11 across a width of the frame 11 relativeto the ground surface 38. In some embodiments, this may be performedbefore folding the at least one wing frame section 14, 16, 18 from theoperating position to the transport position.

At (206), the method 200 may include folding at least one wing framesection 14, 16, 18 relative to the center frame section 12 from theoperating position to the transport position to reduce the width of thetillage implement 10 in the widthwise direction 21. For example, theimplement 10 may be folded as described above with reference to FIGS.1-5. As indicated above, however, the implement 10 may have any suitableconfiguration such that at least one wing frame section 14, 16, 18 maybe folded relative to the center frame section 12 to reduce the width ofthe implement 10.

FIG. 12 illustrates a flow diagram of one embodiment of another method300 for reducing the height and/or width of a multi-section tillageimplement in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. Ingeneral, the method 300 will be described herein with reference to theimplement 10 and the ground-engaging tools 30 described above withreference to FIGS. 1-9 and the system 100 described above with referenceto FIG. 10. However, it should be appreciated by those of ordinary skillin the art that the disclosed method 300 may generally be utilized toreduce the height and/or width or any suitable multi-section tillageimplement having any suitable configuration. In addition, although FIG.12 depicts steps performed in a particular order for purposes ofillustration and discussion, the methods discussed herein are notlimited to any particular order or arrangement. One skilled in the art,using the disclosures provided herein, will appreciate that varioussteps of the methods disclosed herein can be omitted, rearranged,combined, and/or adapted in various ways without deviating from thescope of the present disclosure.

At (302), the method may including pivoting each of the plurality ofground-engaging tools 30 relative to each respective pivoting mount 56,64 and away from the ground surface 38 from a ground-engaging positionto a retracted position. A transport ground clearance 50 may be providedbetween the plurality of ground-engaging tools 30 and the ground surface38 that is sufficient for transporting the implement 10 with theground-engaging tools 30 in the retracted position without raising theframe 11 of the implement 10 relative to the ground surface 38.

In some embodiments, before pivoting each of the plurality of theground-engaging tools 30, the frame 11 of the implement 10 may bedisposed at an initial height 46 relative to the ground surface 38, forexample as explained above with reference to FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 11. Whenat least one of the wing frame sections 14, 16, 18 is folded relative tothe center frame section 12, the frame 11 may be disposed at a transportheight 48 that is not greater than the initial height 46. In someembodiments, pivoting each of the plurality of ground-engaging tools 30may include pivoting at least one of the plurality of ground-engagingtools 30 at least 20 degrees with respect to the frame 11 of theimplement 10. For example, in some embodiments, at least one of theplurality of ground-engaging tools 30 may be pivoted at least 30degrees, in some embodiments, at least 45 degrees, and in someembodiments at least 80 degrees with respect to the frame 11. Forexample, in some embodiments, at least one of the plurality ofground-engaging tools 30 may be pivoted between 20 and 100 degrees, insome embodiments between 30 and 90 degrees, and in some embodimentsbetween 45 and 70 degrees with respect to the frame 11.

At (304), the method 300 may include folding at least one of the wingframe sections 14, 16, 18 relative to the center frame section 12 froman operating position to a transport position to reduce the width of thetillage implement 10 in a widthwise direction 21, for example asexplained with reference to FIGS. 1-5.

At (306), the method 300 may include transporting the implement 10 withat least one of the wing frame sections 14, 16, 18 folded relative tothe center frame section 12 in the transport position and with thetransport ground clearance 50 between the plurality of ground-engagingtools 30 and the ground surface 38. As indicated above, the transportground clearance 50 may be sufficient for transporting the implements 10in the retracted position. The ground surface 38 may have irregularities(e.g., bumps, holes etc.), such that the frame 11 of the implement 10may move up and down as the implement 10 is transported over the groundsurface 38. The transport ground clearance 50 may be large enough thatthe implement 10 may be transported across typical public roads and/ortypical agricultural work sites without the ground surface 38 contactingand damaging the ground-engaging tools 30 as a result of suchirregularities.

For example, in some embodiments, the transport ground clearance 50 maybe between about 2 inch to about 12 inches, and in some embodimentsbetween about 4 inches and 8 inches. Moreover, in some embodiments, theamount of ground clearance required to prevent damage to theground-engaging tools may depend on the size of the lift wheels 34, 35,36, 37. Thus, in some embodiments, the transport ground clearance 50 mayrange from about 10 percent to about 50 percent of an average radii ofthe plurality of lift wheels 34, 35, 36, 37 coupled with the frame 11and configured to support the frame 11 on the ground surface 38. In someembodiments, the transport ground clearance 50 may range from about 15percent to about 40 percent of the average radii of the plurality oflift wheels 34, 35, 36, 37.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the invention, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examplesthat occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intendedto be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elementsthat do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if theyinclude equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differencesfrom the literal languages of the claims.

1. (canceled)
 2. (canceled)
 3. (canceled)
 4. (canceled)
 5. (canceled) 6.(canceled)
 7. (canceled)
 8. (canceled)
 9. A system for reducing anoverall transport profile of a multi-section tillage implement, thesystem comprising: a tillage implement including a frame, the frameincluding a center frame section and at least one wing frame section; aplurality of ground-engaging tools pivotally mounted to the frame of thetillage implement; a hydraulic system configured to pivot each of theplurality of ground-engaging tools with respect to the frame, thehydraulic system configured to retract a plurality of wheels relative tothe frame to raise and lower the frame relative to the ground surface; acontroller communicatively coupled with the hydraulic system, thecontroller including a processor and associated memory, the memorystoring instructions that, when executed by the processor, configure thecontroller to: pivot, using the hydraulic system, each of the pluralityof ground-engaging tools away from the ground surface from aground-engaging position to a retracted position, the center framesection being disposed at an initial height relative to the groundsurface prior to pivoting each of the plurality of ground-engaging toolsaway from the ground surface; after pivoting each of the plurality ofground-engaging tools from the ground surface, retract, using thehydraulic system, the plurality of wheels relative to the frame to lowerthe frame relative to the ground surface such that the frame is disposedat a transport height relative to the ground surface, the transportheight being less than the initial height; and fold the at least onewing frame section from an operating position to a transport position toreduce the width of the tillage implement in the widthwise direction.10. The system of claim 9, wherein: the plurality of ground-engagingtools include respective pivoting mounts, the plurality ofground-engaging tools pivotally connected with the frame at therespective pivoting mounts; the hydraulic system further comprises aplurality of implement actuators configured to pivot the plurality ofground-engaging tools relative to respective pivoting mounts; and thecontroller is further configured to actuate the at least one implementactuator to pivot the plurality of ground-engaging tools with respect tothe respective pivoting mounts and away from the ground surface from theground-engaging position to the retracted position.
 11. The system ofclaim 9, wherein: the frame of the implement includes a toolbar coupledwith each of a subset of the ground-engaging tools, and the toolbarincludes a toolbar pivoting mount, the toolbar pivotally mounted to theframe at the toolbar pivoting mount; the hydraulic system furthercomprises at least one implement actuator configured to pivot thetoolbar relative to the toolbar pivoting mount; and the controller isfurther configured to actuate the at least one implement actuator topivot each of the plurality of ground-engaging tools relative to thetoolbar pivoting mount and away from the ground surface from theground-engaging position to the retracted position.
 12. The system ofclaim 9, wherein: the frame of the implement includes a center toolbarcoupled with each of a center subset of the ground-engaging tools, andthe center toolbar includes a center toolbar pivoting mount, the centertoolbar pivotally mounted to the center frame section at the centertoolbar pivoting mount; the hydraulic system further comprises at leastone implement actuator configured to pivot the center toolbar relativeto the center toolbar pivoting mount; and the controller is furtherconfigured to actuate the at least one implement actuator to pivot eachof the plurality of ground-engaging tools relative to the toolbarpivoting mount and away from the ground surface from the ground-engagingposition to the retracted position.
 13. The system of claim 9, whereinthe controller is further configured to, before folding the at least onewing frame section, retract both a wing wheel subset of the plurality ofwheels connected with the at least one wing frame section and a centerwheel subset of the plurality of wheels relative to the center framesection to lower both the at least one wing frame section and the centerframe section relative to the ground surface such that both the at leastone wing frame section and the center frame section are disposed at thetransport height relative to the ground surface.
 14. (canceled) 15.(canceled)
 16. (canceled)
 17. (canceled)
 18. (canceled)
 19. The systemof claim 9, wherein, when the frame is disposed at the transport heightrelative to the ground surface, a ground clearance between the pluralityof ground-engaging tools and the ground surface is between about 2 inchto about 12 inches.
 20. The system of claim 9, wherein, when the frameis disposed at the transport height relative to the ground surface, aground clearance between the plurality of ground-engaging tools and theground surface is from about 10 percent to about 50 percent of anaverage radii of the plurality of wheels.
 21. The system of claim 9,wherein the at least one wing frame section comprises an outer wingsection coupled to a middle wing section, the middle wing sectioncoupled to the center frame section, and wherein folding the at leastone wing frame section relative to the center frame section from theoperating position to the transport position comprises folding the outerwing section relative to the middle wing section of the at least onewing frame section.
 22. The system of claim 21, wherein folding theouter wing section relative to the middle wing section comprises foldingthe outer wing section approximately 180 degrees relative to the middlewing section.
 23. The system of claim 9, wherein the at least one wingframe section comprises a middle wing section coupled to the centerframe section, and wherein folding the at least one wing frame sectionrelative to the center frame section from the operating position to thetransport position comprises folding the middle wing section of the atleast one wing frame section relative to the center frame section. 24.The system of claim 23, wherein folding the middle wing section of theat least one wing frame section relative to the center frame sectioncomprises folding the middle wing section of the at least one wing framesection approximately 90 degrees relative to the center frame section.